Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Communities in the Niger Delta have issued a fresh threat to cripple oil production in the region if the Federal Government continues to remain adamant over the growing clamour for the release of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has remained in a solitary confinement at the Abuja headquarters of the
Department of State Services, DSS, since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya
in June 2021.
But despite appeals and even Court orders
for his unconditional release, the IPOB Leader currently standing trial before
a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, is yet to regain his freedom.
Speaking under the aegis of Association of Niger Delta Upland Communities, the
oil-rich region, called on the Federal Government to quickly initiate moves for
political solution to Kanu’s matter.
The association in a statement signed by its President, Isah Mohammed Obiri;
and Secretary, Wisdom Oteyi, respectively, threatened to stop oil production in
Niger Delta until Kanu who it said, is unjustly persecuted, is released.
A copy of the letter sighted by Vanguard read: “This is a prompt reminder to the Federal Government of Nigeria
to acknowledge that our 14-days ultimatum is rapidly approaching. We remain
steadfast in our commitment and determination to implement the plans we have
outlined.
“Once again, we urge the Federal Government to
initiate peaceful discussions with our leader for resolution.
“Please be informed that the Rumuekpe Manifold, which
accommodates the storage of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, will continue
to be non-operational until our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is released from the
custody of the DSS facility.
“This decision entails the permanent closure of all
the oil wells associated with the following pipelines: Kolo Creek, Adabawa,
Oguta/Assa Trunkline, Owasa oil pipeline, Obelle oil pipeline, Rukpkou oil
return to Rumuekpe Manifold, Total Om! 58 Oil Pipeline, Niger Delta Petroleum
Resources Limited oi! pipeline return to Rumuekpe Manifold, as well as other
oil facilities including the largest Microwave, Flow Station,Total Metering
Station, (NDPR) Metering Station across the Eastern zone with the map of the
eastern zone oil companies operation hooked to Rumuekpe Manifold and operations
of oil companies within the Bonny Terminal (Rumuckpe Manifold).
“This shutdown has been in effect since September 21,
2023, leading to significant financial losses for the Federal Government
amounting to over N14.5 trillion over the past eight months.
“The marginalization and conspiracy aimed at suppressing the
Igbo Biafran people must cease immediately. We are united by blood and as one
family. Injustice towards our leader is injustice that affects us all.
“They accused those behind Kanu’s extraordinary
rendition from Kenya of responsibility for the tension associated with his
continued detention, and threatened to exposed them.
“The individuals who orchestrated the extraordinary
rendition of our leader, solely because his enlightening messages challenged
the status quo, are the true adversaries of Nigeria. This conspiracy aims to
suppress our leader whose insights have awakened the masses.
“We implore all conscientious citizens to stand up
and protect our leader using our abundant natural resources until he is
liberated.
“The identities of those responsible for this
disgraceful act against an innocent man, whose wisdom could benefit all, are
causing widespread suffering. In the forthcoming press release, their complete
names will be disclosed.”
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